Summer Synergy at Silo's

Downtown Napa’s feeling good lately, have you noticed?  

A host of new restaurants, visual art exhibits, wine tasting rooms and even a hint of retail has surfaced -- the energy in downtown Napa is palpable.

Contributing to this mix of revitalization is , a 125-seat, live music club located at the Historic Napa Mill (a.k.a. Hatt Building) adjacent to the.

Despite its relatively small size, Silo’s has become an energetic player in the Napa Valley music scene, thanks to the steadfast vision and “concierge” philosophy of developer/arts advocate Harry Price – one of downtown Napa’s most ardent cheerleaders.

I dropped by on Friday night to catch one of Silo’s more popular events, “Sing a Song,” where you can fulfill your “inner Idol” with roughly 200 song choices from a range of musical genres, with a live back-up band and singers instead of a karaoke machine.

If you’re too shy to sing on stage, you’re invited to sing along:  the words are scrolled on a monitor above the stage (sans bouncing ball). There’s no excuse for not having fun.     

Silo’s dimly lit room is attractive and intimate, filled with sleek wooden chairs and café tables just large enough to accommodate your glass of Napa wine and a light snack.  The high, wood-beamed, slanted ceiling (with disco ball) gives the room a spacious, airy feel. 

A raised platform serves as a stage. On this night, the band consisted of a drummer, two guitarists and keyboard player – all accomplished musicians adept at following the singers as they slow down, speed up, sing out of tune, stop and start, and/or laugh through the words (as a young patron named Danielle did, while singing a Taylor Swift song).

A bar sits invitingly at one end of the room.  The atmosphere is refreshingly casual and extraordinarily friendly.   

Silo’s evolution began in 2007.  By day, it was the Michael Schear Art Gallery.  By night, a jazz/cabaret club featuring song stylist Wesla Whitfield with Mike Greensill on piano.

When the gallery moved out, Silo’s became exclusively a night club, and now books an eclectic array of local talent and touring shows – Fridays, Saturdays and occasional Thursdays and Sundays. 

Programming runs the gamut from blues bands (Tip of the Top), to tribute acts (a favorite is The Blues Brothers Tribute Band),  to classic rock (Renegade), to the occasional “name” coming through (Country Joe McDonald) plus showcases for Napa Valley’s home town “faves” (e.g., Mary Jenson, Kellie Fuller, and Johnny Smith Band). 

The has made Silo’s its once-a-month home base while nationally-acclaimed singer Terry Bradford has signed on to bring a series of concerts during the upcoming year.  Utilizing a spacious back patio when weather permits, Silo’s is also the site for private parties and fundraising events on a rental basis

So how does a 125-seat club survive?

“We have plans submitted to expand the room to allow for more guests,” said Keith Stansberry, who, together with his wife Sandy, wears the many hats required of club managers.  “And, we currently have applied for -- and will soon receive -- a brew pub license, enabling us to make beer, along with having a liquor license to sell spirits. 

"Mostly likely, we will be open every day, with live music three to five days per week,” he concluded.

While the age requirement for entry is now 21, the new license will allow a younger demographic through the doors for most shows.  Plus, in addition to the current menu of chips/salsa, pizza and dessert, the "Brew Pub" status may inspire expanded culinary options to serve hungry patrons.

As the room was slowly filling up, Keith reminded me that sometimes the “action” takes place all evening as “Sing a Song” has been known  to rock until midnight. 

Confidently taking the stage, the mother-daughter team of Charlene and Stefanie belted out "Before He Cheats" by Carrie Underwood, and then each took her solo turn at the microphone.  Hats off to Stefanie for her “Idol”-worthy interpretation of "At Last" with Etta James’ spirit filling the room.

For upcoming shows, visit Silo’s website and follow club updates on Facebook and Twitter.